THE UNEMPLOYED ON THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

On the day of graduation they beamed with glamour and dreams, not all, but most. Full of hope of a brighter future, yet again, not all, but most. They took beautiful pictures and hanged them on their walls, informing the world of what they had achieved and make an annunciation of their arrival. It was days, then weeks, then weeks turned to months and months into ...

So it's been two or more years now, yet they walk by those pictures without a glitter of hope for the future. They ask themselves most often, " Is this what we toiled for?" The thought of knowing their worth and to not be appreciated by the systems in which they were born into drives them mad. So this is what they do:

Most, like the rest of the ignorant world do nothing but complain. Blaming people they do not know about their plight. Not that they are wrong in accusing them, because history keeps teaching us that it is 'their' fault with their greed, for most part, that accounts for failures in the system. They complain, drink, and engage in all manner of mundane activities just to continue being where they are. The few however, just like the industrious minority, go out there and make things happen. They invent, develop, innovate and arrive at brilliant solutions to solve some problems in the world. In the other extreme, also in the minority, the Dark Lords. They give in, into the deceptive diabolical persuasions of the phantom within their soul, bringing nothing but hurt, sorrow and misery to the rest of the world.


On Christmas, they shall all meet again, in homes, streets, shops, bars, clubs, and those secret places unknown to the majority. They shall all remind themselves of their 'good old days' and how the degenerate world has been unfair to their stars. They shall pass resolutions for a better tomorrow; they shall raise their glasses to life.

Even the sorrowful know how to be hopeful in this festive season. Santa might not be real for them, but the Spirit of Christmas is. The Spirit lies in the essence of the stories passed down over generations; some of them might hold a different opinion in that respect. It has never been about just the story: its about family, friends and hope of a better a future. This is what this festive season reminds them of. They might be jobless and distraught for most part of the year; nonetheless, this part of the year is a time for re-assuring themselves that it is not too late for better days to come.

AND THE BUDGET WAS READ

On Wednesday, the 16th of November, 2011, the minister of finance and economic planning read the budget to the legislature. He said among other things that the better Ghana Agenda was still on course.

First of all, I should commend and applaud the efforts of the minister. I must say he has done very well in his position if all analysts would be objective about it. However, there were some items he mentioned in the list that I thought were too redundant to include in a national budget. Most especially, when one adds provision of free uniforms as an achievement in national budget.

Ghana as a country has grown pass that stage where the citizenry is taken for granted. The people in the country should feel insulted that a national government, past or present would boast of providing free uniforms as an achievement. Some might argue that for a developing nation it is quite significant. I, on the other hand beg to differ. There are too many important things that the tax payer should expect from the government.

Issues such as national security, major educational reforms, developmental projects which in the long run will raise the per capita income of labour force in the country. These are things we should be fighting for; not mediocre politics.

Once again, I would like to congratulate the minister for such a wonderful job in office so far. Inflation has been stable for the past three years, domestic currency has being stable in the forex market for a long time. Macroeconomic stability of the nation is commendable. But please Mr Minister. Do not insult the intelligence of Ghanaians when reading the budget with petty achievements which is being duplicated by individuals all over the country.

P.S. IT IS A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT FOR AN INDIVIDUAL TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR PROVIDING FREE SCHOOL UNIFORMS FOR THE WHOLE NATION, HOWEVER, ITS A JOKE AN THE PART OF A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT TO BOAST OF SUCH FEAT

VERBAL WARFARE

Recently, (well, not quite true when I put it like that since this has been going on for years), the media airwaves has been filled with unwholesome political talk. However, I believe that offensive comments made about Nana Akuffo-Addo and the continuous abuse of the President of the nation is rather unfortunate. On the other hand it’s rather strange that this has become a unbearable of all a sudden. Could it be that the people, the nation, has had enough of foolish political talk?

Ever since Ghana had its independence, the quest to perfect our democracy has brought unthinkable twists and turns. I wonder if anybody could sit in a studio of a radio station and say the President looks like a chimpanzee between 1957 and 1999. Surprisingly, we can say it now. Sitting behind this computer, I’m wondering what leaders and heads of state within the “dare not” period are thinking to themselves when they hear such demeaning comments about the current head of state. Oh, how they wish they were in power to teach such “idiots” the lesson of their lives. I guess enough has been said in allusion to the sitting president. Let us now concentrate on the opposition party.

Nana Akuffo-Addo has been called a drug addict, wee smoker, womanizer, arrogant, fruitcake, and other unthinkable names in this country. Could this be because he is in the NPP? Could this be a strategy just to sully his image to dissuade him from contending in the next election? Could this be because he chose to be in the limelight and desire to the head of this noble and sovereign nation? Is this what we the coming generation should look up to when aspiring to be politicians or public figures? This practice is not the best and does no good for our young democracy.

Whatever the reason might be, I believe that social issues can be addressed without insulting others who might seemingly oppose one’s idea. It is high time this nonsense stopped! I am happy the media commission has come out to criticize this uncouth behavior by the so called political panels all over the country guilty of such practice. However, I recommend that stricter measures should be pursued in addressing this issue.

1. Any media house which allows its medium to be used as a channel to insult and tarnish the image of others should be fined heavily.

2. Social commentators who lose control of themselves and speak foolishly on the airwaves should be banned from using such medium for a period of time to serve as a deterrent to others.

3. Media houses should incorporate technology that can censor certain words and speeches so that the listening public would be saved from its disadvantageous consequences

4. Media houses and social commentators should try as much as possible to speak objectively on issues and keep their comments strictly on the issues and desist from rendering personal vendettas and character assassination as they put it

With this said, I will like to urge all in this country, to engage in debates that will cause this nation to grow. God bless our young democracy.

ON THE EVE OF THE NDC REVOLUTION OR NOT

Once again, history is going to be made in Ghanaian politics. I'm excited for the level of tolerance and democracy this beloved nation of ours is experiencing.

Tomorrow, National Democratic Congress (NDC) will vote to elect a presidential candidate for 2012. For the first time in this nation's politics a sitting president is being contested against. My guts tell me President Mills will win, but beyond that I'm afraid for the NDCs future.

Anyway, tomorrow we will know what direction the party is heading. Until then, I sit in my room and wait to hear how things go

FAITH AND THE RIGHT TO HEALTH AND LIFE OF A CITIZEN (The Case of Children)

Section 79(1), (b) of the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29) states that "A parent is under duty to give access to the necessities of health and life to the child who is not of age and capacity as to be able to obtain those basic necessities".

This is what the law stipulates when it comes to the issue of children having a right to health and invariably life. To think that some person(s) or organisation(s) would want to deny the child, who has the potential of being a great leader in some capacity in this sovereign nation, this right is abominable, criminal and should not be tolerated as stated in the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 and should be treated as such.

Of particular concern to this article is the belief of the Jehovah Witness-- that they are not to accept blood transfusion of any kind-- and how it truncates life of persons belonging to that faith who find themselves in a situation where they need blood to live. Of even greater concern is the child who has no say in the decision to live or die in such a situation. As per the Act stated above, parents are to serve as facilitators for children in accessing health care and all that leads to their right to life. I believe we should all be given the opportunity to choose between life and death. It is not the duty of parents to decide whether their wards would live or die based on a trivial decision such as that of blood transfusion. That, my friends, would be a shame to what we are fighting for in this world, that is, progress.

I am not schooled in the doctrines of the Jehovah Witness, hence, I can't write about how they came to the decision of not accepting blood that can save their lives. I don't really have a problem with adults choosing not to continue their "miserable" lives, no, not all. I have no empathy for such people. However, when these 'MISERABLE' parents want to make that decision for their wards because they are unable to do so for themselves because of the limitations placed on them under the constitution and Legislative Acts, then I have a huge problem.

It is important that we preserve life. God, the creator of the universe (as believed by most, myself included) is a major proponent of preserving life. I also believe strongly that God approves of methods developed by mankind to save lives medically. That is to say, God is biggest fan of technological advancement. After all, he did say, he created us in his image. Thus we have his nature (in this case, the ability to save lives). To think that an organisation like the Jehovah Witness don't believe in this philosophy baffles me a lot. This is because they profess belief in this same God I talk about. Albeit their different approach to the philosophy of God and all about him; essentially, one fact is explicit, they do believe on One God, the creator of the universe and the giver of life. Are they trying to tell us that this God, the one who blessed us with this gift of medicine and the knowledge to advance it, is foolish for giving us such a precious gift to preserve the human race?

The time has come for society (you and I), to take a firm stand on this issue. No parents in this sovereign state has the audacity to deny a child the right to health and life; especially when there are ways and means of preserving that life. This is a call to duty to all responsible agencies (child welfare, law enforcement agencies, the family and the government) to take the bull by the horn and crush such primitive and immature beliefs in the name of God.

WE SHOULD BOLDLY SET THE RECORDS STRAIGHT ON THIS ISSUE, SO THAT THOSE WHO BELONG TO THIS ORGANISATION ( JEHOVAH WITNESS; NO OFFENSE INTENDED) BECOME INFORMED THAT AS FAR AS THEY LIVE IN THIS COUNTRY AND CALL THEMSELVES GHANAIANS, THEY ARE SUBJECT TO THE LAWS ENSHRINED IN THE CONSTITUTION AND THE LEGISLATIVE ACTS OF THIS COUNTRY.

ESTABLISHING THE MOTIVATION BEHIND TEACHERS' UPGRADING THEMSELVES AND HOW IT SHOULD IMPACT STUDENTS PERFORMANCE IN SCHOOLS (PAR

Before any person decides to take certain action(s), there would have been the need to assess the cost/benefits of such action(s). When this is done, there will also be the need to find convincing reason(s) (motivation) to carry out such action(s). Whenever we talk about students performance and the role of teachers of this country, there is the need to think in this respect too.

Once again, the tardiness with which the government and people of this nation are dealing with the problems and challenges within the educational system has been questioned. From what I am gathering, there is an urgent need to overhaul the system 'pronto' if this nation is to have a future. Over the past decade, I have witnessed a number of certificate teachers going to upgrade their qualifications to degree equivalents. The dichotomy of this situation (teachers upgrading themselves while students performance keeps plummeting) demands that we pay heed to the core motivation for such actions. Why are teachers upgrading themselves and why are students not benefiting from these upgrades?

BETTER WAGES/SALARIES

Firstly, the thought of better wages/salaries is enough a reason to encourage most people to upgrade themselves. For teachers, speculation of an introduction of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) was the final signal/reason to do so. This is because the rumours that surrounded the introduction of the SSSS meant that those with higher qualifications were going to receive better salaries or wages (the truth is this statement is not of particular importance to this write-up). I am certain that a detailed research into this matter will reveal that the desire to live in comfort is of particular importance to 'these teachers' and the last thing on their mind is how to ensure that the students are performing well (this is not in any downplaying the importance some teachers associate with quality education). However, priority demands that they take care of themselves first before they cater for others (students).

JOB SECURITY

To continue, I will like to believe that job security rather than student performance is another reason why there has been a surge in teachers upgrading themselves. The challenge we face in these times demands that one first thinks of how to establish a regular cash flow. It is crucial and pertinent for survival in a nation where living standards are becoming more expensive and the need for wealth is placed so high on the 'must achieve list' that it is causing some to even kill (not that this is new). The elderly who have been in the profession fear that young graduates will take over their jobs and they might have to answer to them. The thought of reporting to persons old enough to be their sons and daughters is encouraging most them to go to school to cement their positions in their jobs. This can also be associated with the burden of taking care of, in most cases large family sizes.

Finally, to put the dichotomy into perspective, there is the need to understand the dilemma associated with seeking better wages and having a secured job in relation to working on how to better student performance in our schools. The former is a necessary but not a sufficient condition to realizing the latter. If our teachers do not have the pleasure of knowing in their hearts, beyond all reasonable doubts, that their job is good enough to let them live the Ghanaian dream, then our students will continue to be at the point of loss, in terms of knowledge and wisdom. Thus, the poor performance we are witnessing over and over again in the BECE and WASSCE examinations. It will not be far fetched to surmise that there is a positive correlation between teachers upgrading themselves and how it impacts on students performance, however, this feat can only be seen in the long term when "the personal aspect" with regards to the motivation mentioned above" have materialized. Until then, we can keep praying and hoping that teachers, out of the goodness of their hearts, will heed to the call to produce great minds who are capable of leading this great nation of ours to the paradise we crave for so much.

AND HE SPOKE

Thirty-two (32) years down the line The Honorable Ex-President Rawlings still screams out to be an ardent and passionate adherent to the principle of 'probity and accountability.' Reading about what ensued on June 4, 2011 in Kumasi has filled my heart with such amusement. No wonder the nation is always agog when HE PLANS TO SPEAK. Does not being at the helm of affairs agitate him so much? I strongly believe he misses those days when he could order people around. Those days that the sound of his name spoke fear to the hearts of some and merry to others.

The reason for the success of the June 4 Revolution in 1979 was because the general populace were tired of the stench of corruption that had infested the nation. The whooping support enjoyed by the Flt. Lt. Rawlings and AFRC at the time was partially because of his charisma and what he promised to rid the country off (corruption perpetuated by SMC II). I will say that after this all this while, one thing still seems to be intact, he is full of charisma. However, he is cowardly, not in words, but in action.

After ruling the country for 19 years, the ex-president covered his tracks with an indemnity clause in the constitution of the country. What kind of coward preaches probity and accountability and hides behind an indemnity clause. Any time I hear him speak of corruption my heart becomes filled with laughter. Haven't we all heard about the Mabey and Johnson case? If the ex-president feels that some members of the erstwhile NPP government are guilty of corruption and he has evidence, it is his duty as a citizen of this beloved country to report such crimes and show evidence. May be he wants a vendetta for his wife. Sorry Jerry, not this time.

Wanted to write more but I THINK THIS IS ABOUT ENOUGH. LISTENING TO HIS SPEEC H AND I AM STILL AMUSED. HAHAHAA I LOVE HIS CHARISMA.

COULD IT BE A CURSE FOR POSTERITY?

I should warn that the content of this particular message might be apposite for some due to its subjective nature. However, I encourage all to read with an open mind. Thank you.

Before the 1992 Constitution, the people of this nation were officially regarded as a 'Christian' nation. However, this status changed to 'secular' when the Constitution became active. Needless to say, a secular nation does not imply we allow all mannerisms to take shape in this nation. It is true that we all have the right to liberty and association. Nonetheless, we cannot, as a traditional and a conservative nation, allow certain rights to override national or public interest. One of the numerous national interest (traditional Ghanaian and Christian expectation) is to encourage 'married' persons to bring forth a new generation that will continue to develop this nation and bring it to its place of glory. Conversely, the practice of HOMOSEXUALITY defeats this very purpose.

Homosexuality is ominous to the institution of marriage, as defined in traditional Ghanaian and Christian terms. It defeats the very purpose of continuity in human affairs and that to me is a 'no'. As a developing nation, we need to concentrate on behaviors and practices that promote continuity of the affairs of man (affairs here depicts economic affairs). Common sense tells us that, same sex practices will not in any way aid us in achieving this objective.

One might ask, "Do you have something against people who are homosexuals?" Well, the answer is definitely a no; on the other hand, I do have something against the practice. I believe those who are into this practice have the ability to change because human beings are dynamic. We should never hate on such persons; however, the act they engage in should never be encouraged or promoted. I am in no way suggesting that they be ostracized and looked down upon. That is derogatory and discriminatory. I rather propose that Love, encouragement and care (here there is the need to establish rehabs in the country for those who want to change from this practice) should be constantly shown to those who find themselves in such mishap to enable them get back to fulfilling their procreation duties as stipulated by the laws of nature.

God said we should procreate and Homosexuality does not support this cause. The institution of marriage has a pertinent goal, that is, procreation. Society is on the brink of destruction if this menace is not dealt with. We need to make this a national agenda and deal with the problem. Persecution, ostracizing, lynching, hurling insults and making derogatory remarks are not the best ways to deal with this issue. The sensitive nature of this issue demands that care and caution be exercised at all levels to address the problem efficiently and effectively.

AU, "THE POWER BLOCK OF THE WORLD", LET US CELEBRATE

Many of those who will read this will find the title of this discourse to be an attempted derision of AU's influence in Africa and the world. However, I will like us to know that this is not the point I am trying to put across. I am not trying to mock the successes chopped by AU on such an august occasion in it's existence, neither am I trying to doubt the capability and competence of the people running the ORGANIZATION. This is just a simple reflection of AUs influence in Africa, then we can talk about the world.

During the first quarter of the year (2011), the Continent (Africa) has witnessed an eruption of happenings; from the South, the black people in SA being given the opportunity to create wealth for themselves, to the North, Sudan divided into two distinct nations, garnished by the Egyptian and Libyan Revolutions; while the West has seen Gbabo's government ousted, just like some great dictators who have had their empires taken away from them by the governed (of course these were all by kind courtesy of our special friends from 'outside'). I am proud to say that the AU watched all the proceedings of these events on CNN, Al Jazeera and BBC. While they waited for our 'friends' to say something (I can hear somebody say watching it on TV is safer).

There is a wind of change blowing over the continent, yet I see no change with heart of the continent as I choose to call them. Perhaps, the Assembly of Head of States deem it a time for sober reflection when they see the fellow colleagues losing their seat of government to alleged hooligans. As the Akan proverb puts it, "WHEN YOU SEE YOUR FRIEND'S BEARD ON FIRE, FETCH SOME WATER AND PUT IT BY YOUR SIDE." All I heard from the AU was what they were going to do, that they never did (this is why we have our friends from 'outside'). The denotative implications of the name African Union is a "United States of Africa". So that we can experience continental growth (using Regional blocks like EU and NATO examples. We all know why we cannot talk about ECOWAS in this regard)

Nine (9) years after its establishment, I am yet to see or hear the Union stamping its authority in the Continent (Please let us not even think about the world yet when we have not been able to deal with our own backyard issues). To me, I do not see anything worth celebrating when I cannot foresee Africa uniting under one voice any time soon. We have numerous disjointed interests in the various blocks in the Continent: Southern countries fighting for independence withing the country itself, we have 'rulers for life' meting out human rights abuses, we have those who are trying to establish an independent country, free from Western influence (here, we are talking about religious interests as well) and we also have those who are trying to spend a common currency. The AU was here on this Continent and it took France, Britain, North America and Nato (our beloved friends from outside) to fight our battles for us. Just look at how powerful we are. I am amazed at the AMOUNT of 'power' adorning us.

Some may argue, "but they have been contributing troops to all these warfare." Well, when was the last time you heard about the 'great rescue orchestrated by AU troops', or ' you heard someone scream, "OMG! I did not know that AU had such fine soldiers, look at how expediently they dealt with the Libyan, or better still, the Ivory Coast issue'. When was the last time you were dazzled by the contributions of AU in the world. Yet we cause financial loss to our State by declaring 'AU DAY' as a holiday in this country. It is appalling! (At least for now till there is something worth celebrating)

I am not belittling humble begins, but I believe the reason why OAU was dissolved was because we needed a formidable International Institution run by Africans for Africa. One that could exert force and make things happen to change the fate of Africa with respect to the world affairs. What I see, read, and continually hear, concerning the Continent and the Institution that represents it in the world is laughable. Nobody really cares about AU or what they say; if they did, we would also get a permanent seat in the UN, then I would have agreed that our voice mattered somewhat. The reason this is so is simple: African Leaders can hardly speak out against each other because they are all brothers and sisters lying in the same bed. Ghana cannot, and should not, be a part of this 'no show'. We should have better things to celebrate in this country. WE DON'T WANT CELEBRATIONS THAT CAUSE FINANCIAL LOSS TO THE STATE. So this is my little homily for the incumbent President.

To the next President of the Nation, (since there are talks of changing the Yutong bus driver), please, spare the country the cost and burden of celebrating an empty Institution. However, let us keep believing that tomorrow, the ant will tell the lions, lie on their back and they will have no choice than to do so. Let us not celebrate AFRICAN UNION when all I see around me is 50 something countries pursuing their own agenda. I rather we celebrate 'Africa Unbecoming' day; at least, that sounds meaningful.
P.S. : AU, PLEASE WAKE UP, LET US FEEL YOUR PRESENCE IN THE CONTINENT!

NATURE VS. NURTURE: LESSONS FROM THE PAST (IN THE GHANAIAN CONTEXT)

I believe that many of us have heard of this famous argument in relation to character formation. I have been wondering about this issue for quite some time in relation to the attitudes of Ghanaians. Any time I talk to my parents, they remind me of how things have turned out for the worse in the country, in this era of technological advancement. Their argument is based on the fact that during their time Ghana was clean, people were hardworking and kind, respectful and purposeful. They claim in that era, citizens had respect for authority and trusted the decisions of the heads of communities (chiefs); albeit this argument has its pitfalls, the epitome of the argument holds to some extent in the 'traditional' Ghanaian setting (Here traditional refers to years before technological advancement). So where did we falter?

During 'their time', some of the systems they talk about was the "saman saman," free and quality education, free and quality healthcare and the use of 'stools' to settle dispute (stool here represent the authority of chiefs and in delegated terms family heads). Whenever I hear them speak of the 'good old days', I ask myself, what was good about those days? Those days were without personal computers, laptops, palmtops, internet, touch-screens, HDTV, cellular/mobile technology, fast cars, etc., the list can go on and on. Despite all these, I still find meaning in their statement. If so, then the big question is, 'WHY HAVEN'T THEY TAUGHT THEIR CHILDREN ABOUT THE THINGS THAT MADE THEIR DAYS GOOD?

If we consider this argument from the Nurture point of view, then I would expect parents to teach their children the values that they hold dear; that is, the values that made their days good. This is because when children are born they come to this world "tabula rasa" (with a clean slate with respect to the mind). It is through socialization that they learn mannerisms and character. FROM THIS I CAN INFER THAT IF CHILDREN FAIL TO ACQUIRE THE CHARACTER OR ATTITUDES THAT IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE BY SOCIETY IT IS BECAUSE THE FIRST POINT OF CONTACT FOR SOCIALIZATION (THE FAMILY) FAILED TO DO THEIR JOB. With this said, we have the appropriate basis to consider the nature argument.

Now those arguing from the nature perspective posit that we learn from our environment. That is, the things we see around us form our attitudes. Hence, a person who grows up in an environment where s/he has to fight for survival de facto develops an aggressive attitude towards life. Those who grow up in an environment filled with dirt might never see anything wrong with engaging in activities the compound the problem. From this, I deduce that BECAUSE THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT IN THE COUNTRY ENCOURAGES MEDIOCRITY AND THE TENACITY NOT TO DO RIGHT (PER THE STANDARD), THE NATION IS FALLING APART GRADUALLY.

CONCLUSION
The Nature and Nurture arguments provides us with two best alternatives to deal with societal problems; in this regard, the Ghanaian problem.
One is by focusing on those institutions that nurture our character and attitudes. Here we are talking of family, educational institutions, social groups and religious denominations. These institutions right from the start should teach and encourage its members to be respectful, disciplined, persevering, and purposeful. It should be the job of these institutions to encourage nationalism and the pursuit of excellence. Nothing short of this standard should be encouraged. This is not to imply that we should overly destroy ourselves in the quest for perfection. The balance must be kept.

The other solution is by focusing on the environment. Here , the government must focus on strengthening those institutions that are crucial to the nation's development. Public sector institutions like Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ministry of Water, Works and Housing, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Internal Revenue Service, now Ghana Revenue Authority, Ministry of Education, and the Court system, especially, must be elevated to world acceptable standards

The point I am trying to make is this, as the nation pursues a better Ghana agenda, which I believe should be 'the best Ghana' agenda, we should not encourage the culture of mediocrity and 'substandardness' if that is a word. The pursuit of perfection should also not lead us to ostracize and reject those who are slow to catch up. Rather, with love and encouragement, we should keep motivating ourselves till we all get there. WE SHOULD FOREVER SAY NO TO MEDIOCRITY! This is the way to change the saying of our parents, they should say, this era is the best era to live in, not the 'olden days'.

PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION IN GHANA: THE BETTER GHANA AGENDA

Today while I was listening to the 6:00pm news on Joy fm, I heard news that spurred my friend and I into a heated argument about the Education system in Ghana once again. This time around the emphasis was on Public School Education. Before we delve into what transpired between us, let me first summarize what the news was about.

The crux of the matter was this, class 3 pupils interviewed by a Joy reporter couldn't read a passage given to them by their teacher. At first, when we were listening we thought it was one of those funny interviews where people who were not eloquent in the Queen's language were interviewed for the sake of humor. I should say, without under scoring the importance of this write-up, it was hilarious. The language (English) spoken by these pupils was a complete sham. Their inability to read a simple passage which might seem innocuous to some, actually points the direction of Public School Education in Ghana. Based on this , I must assert that the future for this country is quite gloomy; especially with respect to public education if this is a true representation of public school education. However, I vehemently refuse (being very subjective) to believe that the voices we heard (in statistics referred to as sample) was a true representation of results for public school education (population) in our beloved country.

The heart of the problem as we were trying to discern is based on the following premise.

1. The blue print for our education system is faulty, especially when we talk about implementation

2. To say the system is faulty is in itself wrong because there is no system to look to now, we must go back to the past before we can get things right.

I believe I should let the world know that I went to a public school. I should also state that before class 3, I could read and write excellently (where excellent here does not imply perfection). Now back to the topic at stake, common sense tells us that the premise chosen for this argument are both right. However, the purpose of this text is to determine which is more appealing and significant for the dispensation we find ourselves in. It should be noted that the full consequences of the two premise will not be fully be addressed in this write-up. However, an overview to clarify the two premise will be given and then the problems identified as the cause of the demise of public school education is also stated and explained briefly.

The argument for the first premise is derived from the notion that the blueprint for Ghana's educational system is superb; however, the problem with the system lies in the way and manner things are carried out (implementation challenges). This is because governments over the years has been toying with the educational system in Ghana. The ushering in of new governments spells out a different direction for the education system in the country. If we study the educational history in Ghana since the time of independence, we will actually find that it has changed significantly over the years (some positive, others negative). If we are to draw a picture for this, we will get a 'roller-coaster' diagram.

The next argument based on the second premise is that we do not have a curriculum for education now (where now denotes this current dispensation we find ourselves in Ghana); we are still in the experimental stage and there is no focal point to what should be studied in the country. The curriculum keeps changing and changing. The nadir of all these changes is the failure of the changes to capture the 'peculiar' educational needs of the 'cloud' generation (which inevitably implies we are flying blind) and that we should go back to the past and review what made education unique in those days. This is to find a solution to poor public education for the "Cloud" generation. Without a properly structured blueprint, we have no means of ever having a better educational system and invariably, a better Ghana. One may ask, why are facing all these troubles? Well, I will try and point out a few observations over the years.

One, we can associate the demise of Public Education to the quality of teachers produced from some of our Teacher Training Colleges. The last time I visited my village, I found reasons that entrenched my position on the issue of never enrolling my children in a public school. This is not only in my village, even when I was in primary school (in Takoradi), I witnessed the abysmal display of mediocrity among some of the ''Teacher College' trained interns in my school. The sad part of all my ranting is this, some of these people are still in classrooms teaching our future leaders. To me, a teacher who cannot display competence in the main language of instruction (English) should be further trained or booted out from the profession to find another job. The fact that we have to meet MDGs does not necessitate Ghana Education Service (GES) to fill our classrooms with 'empty barrels'. The reason why some of these kids speak horrendous English and are unable to read is because the teachers teaching them cannot do so themselves. I wonder what the outcome would have been if the teacher was rather given a passage to read from. In short, you cannot give what you don't have.

Another problem I have observed is the pursuit of goals and objectives set by Bretton Woods institutions as I alluded in meeting MDGs. Most of the time because of the conditions incorporated into grants and loans from such institutions, the country sometimes hurriedly pursues programs that might not cause the economy to burgeon (in terms of best practice and quality assurance), although these programs are relevant.

The third problem is the lack of 'local content'. Local content in this regard refers to a tailored Ghanaian education based on the demands, needs and the challenges we face in our Ghanaian economy. This country can never develop if it keeps using books produced and designed for foreign economies. Never, our chase for development will be but a continuous mirage if we continue in that path. Ghana is a sovereign nation, located in a particular demography, with citizens who have peculiar orientation, characteristics and features. Until we have been able to capture the essence and spirit of the Ghanaian in our curriculum we will never progress from this stage of under development. This particular situation is of uttermost worry to me because as an economics student, every example and textbook I read was in relation to foreign economies. Four years of studies in a university in Ghana and I am well versed in the American economy than my own. I believe we get the picture. So how do we deal with these problems?

The answer to this question is quite straight forward: we have to deal with the problems mentioned above by pursuing policies that strengthen our institutions, getting the implementation right in the process of course, ensuring that the human resource in that field (education) are enhanced to the best attainable level and ensuring that the curriculum we design for our schools are able to capture the essence and spirit of the Ghanaian and the Ghanaian.

This to me is the way forward. In my opinion this country's economy can perform marvelously only if institutions are strengthened. Ghana Education Service can carry out its duties 'distinctively' if it is strengthened logistically, infrastructural-wise and in terms of the quality of its human resource. This is the only way forward.

CONCLUSION

In the end, I should say the premise for this write-up (1. The blue print for our education system is faulty, especially when we talk about implementation

2. To say the system is faulty is in itself wrong because there is no system to look to now, we must go back to the past before we can get things right.) are both relevant to this dispensation if we are going to revolutionize Public Education services. It is a combination of the solutions to these two problems stated as our premise that has the potential of changing the phase of Public Education in Ghana.

WHEN SHALL THIS MADNESS END

It was yesterday that I read in one of the dailies and 'myjoyonline' that a strong young man of 32 years had beheaded a young soul almost one-third his age for ritual purposes. He wanted to be rich and the only way or means he could think of was committing murder for wealth. Now he is in the arms of the law, that dream of riding in big V8 engine SUVs are all gone. He is now going to spend the rest of his life behind bars in a 12 by 12 space till Christ comes again.

Africa is plagued with such occurrences, especially among the youth who want to be rich quick. These situations are becoming overwhelming; in Ghana, it is becoming contagious. How long, how long shall it take us till we stop all this nonsense and realize that wealth is best enjoyed when you have worked for it. How long can this nation continue to watch the people who are supposedly its future leaders meet their demise with constant search for short-cuts in making money.

If Ghana is to develop all this nonsense must end! There are better ways to make money in this country. Although the nature of most of these jobs are not all that appealing in the short-term, at least, it puts bread on the table. I believe things get better with time. These are some of the things that society must address to move this nation forward. For the spiritualist who reported the case I say KUDOS.

I will like to show appreciation and congratulate the spiritualist who reported the case to the police; may whatever god you have put your trust in bless you and give you long live. I will also encourage all spiritualist who receive such appeals from young men who want to get rich quick by committing murder to report such cases to the police. If this is done, Ghana will be on its way to realize the better Ghana vision.

To my fellow young colleagues, money is a dear commodity to us all. However, the means used in obtaining it matters most. It took my father 20 years to buy the SUV he drives. He worked for the luxury he is enjoying now. I cannot, in any capacity, live like my father now because I have not worked to that stage. I am not necessarily saying you have to work 20 years to afford the luxury you crave; no, I am in no means suggesting that. What I am rather preaching is for us to have a vision, an objective, a goal, that will drive us to do whatever we desire to do, legitimately of course, to obtain the luxury we crave. If we are ingenious and innovative, that comfort will come sooner than expected. It took some 5 years to see their dreams come true, others 10, 20, 30, and in some cases only a year. Perseverance pays-off at the end.

The time has come for this madness to end. Committing murder for wealth is mammoth, barbaric, uncivilized, cruel and ultimately, a sin against God. Young Ghanaians be wise and vigilant! Let us not waste our future because of greed.

FINALLY, HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY

So the time has come for the world to finally celebrate all mothers. I believe that one does not necessarily need mothers' day to remember to show gratitude and love to mothers. Each passing day that affords us the opportunity to say thank you, and I love should be fully optimized.

I LOVE MY MOM, I PRAY SHE LIVES LONG TO SEE AND ENJOY THE FRUITS OF HER LABOR.

PRELUDE TO MOTHERS' DAY

My mother is my world. Believe it or not, I would have been dead if not for her and God's abundant grace. To be alive and not acknowledge my mother's contribution should be likened to a tree claiming to burgeon in cement.

She kept me safe for nine good months; devoid of deformity and other diseases that plague babies because she kept herself well. After (I, ie, me) seeing light from beneath the shadows, she nurtured me in the fear of God. Some say this is typical of most African families. However, I believe mine was and is still unique because of my mother. I remember those days when I was engaged in mischief, she would wait till the break of dawn to administer her justice with the rods of comfort. Yes, my back and some unspoken parts of my body have suffered under my iron fist mom. Nevertheless, I am grateful, for what she did has made me what I am today.

This is my prelude to Sunday's formal salutation.

I LOVE YOU MOM AND WHATEVER GOD HAS SAID ABOUT US WILL DEFINITELY COME TO PASS.

HOW DARE THEY

The sovereignty of every nation is determined by the efficiency, effectiveness and INDEPENDENCE of the various organs of government. If this is the case, then we can assume (from what has been going on in Ghana for the past week) that the Judiciary in the nation is not to be trusted; especially, if we want to seek justice for an gruesome action. This is not what we want to hear for Ghana; it does not order well for our young democracy.

For 'supposedly' learned people to intimate that the decision to acquit the people in Ya-Na case was influenced by certain individuals portrays the ignorance, prejudice and ego centric attitudes of the people we have chosen to lead us. For a legislative member to say that a certain politician promised free the accused persons is unsubstantiated, unsuited frivolous and tantamount to pure folly. Have we forgotten about Rwanda so soon. Why do we want irritate unstable emotions of people who are hurt?

If the said, legislator had been following the proceedings of the case, he would have known that the A-Gs office was going to lose the case by all means. If not for anything, their inability to identify the remains of Ya-Na shows pure incompetence on their part in this age of DNA technology advancement. The promise to render justice does not imply that the government or the families involved in the case, go on a vendetta, just because of justice as they perceive it has not been administered.

Justice should be pursued in the court of law by proving "beyond all reasonable doubt" that the case presented 'is what is by if turned in all angles' by the prosecutor. If not for anything, the words 'all reasonable' should be enough for opinion leaders to respect the decision of the court.

Ghana is a sovereign nation, Politicians and other loquacious citizens should leave the matter be; if anybody is not satisfied with the ruling of the court, they should seek redress in the highest court in the nation; that is, if all other court bureaucracies have been followed.

GHANAIANS ARE NOT FOOLS! WE HAVE COME OF AGE, STOP THROWING DUST IN OUR EYES AND STOP POLITICIZING EVERY ISSUE IN THIS COUNTRY. I DON'T BLAME PROFESSOR ATTA MILLS, I BLAME THE PROSECUTORS WHO WENT TO THE COURT UNPREPARED. I BELIEVE JUSTICE SHALL BE SERVED WHEN ALL FACTS ARE OBTAINED. BUT UNTIL THEN, LET US ALL HOLD OUR PEACE AND KEEP OUR IGNORANT THOUGHTS TO OURSELVES. IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING POSITIVE TO SHARE, PLEASE DO SO IN THE MOST CIVIL MANNER. WE WILL NOT ENTERTAIN THIS BLAME AGAIN IN OUR GENERATION OR AFTER!

STILL MOMENTS

At a point in time in our lives, there are those instances we happen to make memories. I call them STILL MOMENTS. These are the memories best shared with friends, family, a loved one and sometimes, total strangers. I have had many of those moments this year. Life and living is barely an arduous task; yet we allow so many complications to weigh as down. The times that we so easily forget: birth, first kiss, first crush, first time being laid, first meritorious award, dancing in the rain, first accident and the thought of death that followed, first real salary, first time moving out, the day you did that incredulous thing with that person or those people, all these are memories we so easily forget in the pile I call anxiety.

Our STILL MOMENTS, which are suppose to be our lifeline, are the very things we lose. After a while, we sit and ask ourselves, "did we really do these?" Happy and not happy moments are the best memories we can ever have irrespective of what one thinks about those not so happy moments. The only thing that separates humans from other species is our ability think and mature in our capability to reason. It's our ability to hold on to these STILL MOMENTS that makes us and will keep us human.

I had one today, a thought, rather an epiphany, was very gratifying. May be one day I will grow and not be that person who loses himself in his worries. I pray for more times like these; at least, I know that it always makes me smile. I'm sure it will do same for you. STILL MOMENTS, they are worth having so keep that camera, or camcorder close by.

WILL IT EVER CHANGE

The price of oil keeps shooting up, especially, during this volatile period where Arab countries (major producers of oil) seem to be experiencing so much unrest. It gives us, users of crude products, a cause to worry. However, as a passionate advocate for clean energy and the environment, I should say that the unstable nature of oil prices should really encourage us, human beings, to consider other clean, safe, less expensive, efficient and effective sources of energy. Today, I read a friend's status message. He asked a very basic and simple question with regards to the use of alternative sources of powering motor vehicles. He asked why we are not experiencing a rise in demand for electric vehicles when the price of crude oil keeps shooting up.

There are so many answers we can provide for this question: infrastructural reasons, availability of input products in producing the commodity in large quantities, , cost of production, future expectations of crude prices, etc. The list can go on for quite some time. Albeit all these reasons, I believe this is the time for consumers to put pressure on producers to come out with alternative sources for powering vehicles (this is not to say that there are no alternatives in the market, that will be downright erroneous). For a push in this direction will be good for the stability of crude prices, especially, when we have found an effective and efficient alternative to it.

The only way this dream can be achieved is for both consumers and producers to come to a consensus that the need to push for alternative energy sources is not just pertinent for the near future crusade, rather, it is needed today. I believe it is this common assertion that will provide the impetus for the rise in demand for alternate energy products, like electric cars, in the world.

We need to make the world a better place to live in; the change we seek so much for ourselves cannot be located in the future, it is in our backyards, our beaches, the sun, and the water bodies, and the ultimate location, in US (human beings). All these can be found right here and now, in the present, let us all come together with one voice and reduce the power of OPEC. Alternative energy sources, the key to stabilizing crude prices

HERE WE GO AGAIN

Once again, Ghana's oil is in the news. It might not have been hyped as the first time we heard of the commercial quantity potential or the legislation that should be enacted to ensure the judicious use of the revenue. This time around, we, Ghana, as a nation is being advised to follow in the footsteps of the Saudi's.

The question to ask our leaders is what they know of that experience. Could we ever have a situation where both rural and urban communities receive the same attention, in terms of provision of infrastructure and other developmental projects? The nature of this issue is so dicey, I always approach it with such caution.

For a developing country like Ghana, the sound of 'OIL WEALTH' excites a lot of the general populace. What most of these people are failing to recognize is that, the wealth they dream of will not just appear overnight. If truly, this nation is going to make headway in the future, this current generation should come to an understanding that they, like Moses, will lead the nation to the promised land but, they will never step there.

The best thing that this generation can do is to put the right infrastructures in place to safeguard posterity's comfort. This is the main headlines that should be flashing in every newspaper and television program when we want to talk about the oil wealth, "WHAT CAN WE DO TO ENSURE THE COMFORT OF UP AND COMING GHANAIANS."

It makes a lot of sense to think in this manner. At least, in my opinion, those in this generation should not get the hopes up so high, it might lead to colossus disappointment.

ON THE ROAD TO PROSPERITY

In January this year (2011), the first oil was lifted by Tullow Oil with its Jubilee partners, in March, they (Tullow) are about to lift their second consignment from the Jubilee field. We have a rough idea as to how much the government earned, but no one has come out to state explicitly the exact amount generated from the lifts. It was however , estimated that about a little over 100 million dollars was accrued from the sale of the lift by GNPC. Some one might ask, where is he going with this? Well let me go straight to the point then.

We know that the OIL AND GAS bill has been passed by Parliament. I am yet to know if the president has appended his signature to the bill. There is the need for the government to let Ghanaians be part of the process from the very onset. It is of with great concern that I make this statement. Failure to include the people in the process will spark little unrest among the people, leaving the not-too- informed citizens vulnerable to chaotic instigation.

The more we know about the exact figures and what the government plans to use it, the better the minds of the citizens of this noble country will be at rest.

CHANGE!

THE ESSENCE OF CHANGE

Not too long ago, Ghana celebrated its 53^rd independence anniversary; I can recall some of the many social debates that were heard throughout the country on the various channels of media communication over whether or not we had achieved anything during that period to merit a celebration. The reason for this celebration, in my opinion, was to remember the change that revolutionized the African spirit of independence. Some even went as far as to embark on demonstrations, while others bastardized the very nature of our political system, calling its practitioners immature, greedy and egoistic. Our neigbours, Nigeria, also celebrated their 50^th independence anniversary recently and what we heard through international news agencies was quite repulsive. Two bombs exploding at different times and injuring some people. This is how some people choose to echo their aggravations about how there has been NO CHANGE in many years. These are just a few of the many occurrences of such situations in our beloved continent. We are always crying for CHANGE!

In the Concise Oxford Dictionary, change is defined in its verb form as “to make or become different; to become new.” If I am to probe further into what others -- scholars and philosophers-- have said there shall be no end to what the word change is not, and is. Nonetheless, I have always enjoyed this statement I heard in my philosophy class when I was an undergraduate student: “You can never step in the same river twice.”

When we study the history of our beloved nation one thing is clear we have not enjoyed sustained steady growth in a long while. For if we had, we would be experiencing what economist have termed economic development. This is development characterized by major infrastructural change. This is the kind of change that will increase the per capita income of the people, provide better healthcare delivery system(s), make available excellent educational facilities to all citizens and reduce drastically, if not obliterate totally, the level of poverty in the country. This is the kind of change that the people of Ghana, Africa and the world as whole would like to see.

How then can we bring about this change which results in the creation of a ‘state of utopia’? This is the question that many scholars, philosophers, politicians, corporate CEOs and the general populace have been contemplating about for centuries. One school of thought argues that this change has been experienced in Western countries while Africa and other third world countries are lagging behind. If this is true, could we say then that the explanation for all the horrific things that have been perpetuated by some African heads of state and military governments are because Africa and other continents characterized by these features so desperately need change? Should we associate the brutalities accompanying such atrocious acts as worthy sacrifices for change to materialize in the continent, or should we say that it is just an expression of frustration on the part of these leaders for not realizing the change that we so much wish for? How do we experience change that does not result in a blood bath?

The answer to this question is simple: be the change you want to see. Day in and day out we hear people complaining about the many defects surrounding them, we also observe these very people who continually fuss about such issues do nothing about it. If it bothers you that much, instead of picking up placards and walking on these same streets in the name of freedom of demonstration, let us rather use our strength in organizing the very people marching on the streets to fix the problem. It is the rational thing to do. I am not here to downplay the importance of being able to exercise one’s frustrations in the streets. However, most of the times, the time we spend holding placards could have been used to fix a problem in our homes, communities and country for that matter.

When you are sitting in the church and everyone is clapping for the choir about the song they sung, and you have realized they have been consistently singing off-key, and that annoys you, instead of telling your friends about how the choir or the person who conducts it knows nothing about music, why don’t you volunteer and offer-up your musical knowledge to better the choir. If you are part of those who always complain that there is no job in the system, instead of thinking about who will employ your, start thinking about how to establish your own business so that you can also employ people in this manner, you help to reduce the level of unemployment in the economy.

When I listen to radio programmes, I hear those on the panel and those who call-in accuse politicians of being corrupt. The question that these people often fail to ask themselves is how upright they themselves are. Jesus asked the Pharisees to let those without sin be the first to throw the stone at the woman. How many of us will refuse the ‘gift’ that is suppose to motivate us to carry out a duty briskly. How many of us ask customers, clients, or prospective clients and customers to give us something supposedly for the ‘boss’ or behave rudely to them because they fail to ‘recognize our efforts’?

Upon careful thought I propose these to be the essence of the change we so badly seek:

CHANGE SHOULD BE A CONSCIOUS ACT. In deciding to do what is right, we are consciously saying that we are going to be a part of the process, because inherently, we are part of the problem.

CHANGE SHOULD BE BY CHOICE, NOT BY MASS PROTEST. In the spirit of decision making, let us all come together and agree on what is right, to make our homes, communities and country the place we want it to be.

CHANGE SHOULD BE A DISCIPLINE. Biblical scripture informs us that the heart is deceitful above all things. This tells me how unstable we are as human beings. The Apostle Paul agrees, that is why he said he beat his body into submission when he wrote to the Christians in Rome. There is the need to be disciplined in order to experience real change.

CHANGE IS LIFE NOT A LIFESTYLE. So many people see many things which are necessities in life to be a lifestyle. Life and lifestyle are two different concepts. In order to experience real change we need to acknowledge that Change is life not a lifestyle. Heraclitus said, “you cannot step into the same river twice.”

CONCLUSION

Changing is one of the most difficult things for some of us, but we should decide -- make a choice, a conscious one for that matter -- to remain disciplined and live a life of change. If we, (humans) are created in the likeness of God, and one major characteristic of God is that he keeps surprising, then we should make it a point to surprise ourselves. We should change!

THE GATEKEEPER

Behold I am the keeper of order

My presence demands it

My employer does nothing without me

For I am his keeper

The Protector some call me

The Shield some may say

I prefer the Sifter

Yes, I’m much enthused by the name Selector

For what goes and comes is by me

I AM THE GATEKEEPER

If you want to be heard, you better come and see me

Sounds of thrashing and bashing

The sound of thrashing and bashing

Fills the street with wailing and screaming

The sorrowful shrills of the mothers

Makes the soul quiver at its core

How long shall this unrest remain?

How often do the mothers have to beat their breasts?

The fathers stand aside with conscious fear

Looking for someone to step up and be a hero

Yet no one shows, no one appears, we all are timid!

Full of weakness, terrified with fear of death

The sovereign reigns with terror in the land

Yet there is no hero of in this town

All we hear is the sound of thrashing and bashing

And the cries and wails of the women in the streets.

O man! Who else could it possibly be

O MAN! WHAT ELSE

It is written that he shall dwell in this house and it shall be hallowed (paraphrased). However, how do we deal with people when our ideas and actions lead to the desecration of God’s house? Is it the signs of the time, or it’s simply pure ignorance and lack of respect for God and everything pertaining to him. Who should be blamed for the desecration of God’s temple? Do we blame the priests or the insolent congregation? May be, we should blame unsuspecting conspirators who always plan to divide and break asunder this unperfected unity we have in the church.

Let us not be misguided, confusion is not part of God’s being; confusion is an unfortunate characteristic of man. We shall in no sense appeal to reason and intuition as means to escape our uncouth actions. We are all responsible for whatever happens to and in God’s temple. We are guilty in what we have uttered or not uttered, done or not done, whichever position we find ourselves in, we are to blame since we are the keepers of his temple.

The church should fume with righteous indignation, the body of Christ should awake and hear the calls of the angels and saints, we live in a world filled with evil; only those who stand for righteousness will be persecuted. As the saying goes, only the sick need medical assistance; thus, only those who seem to be doing something right will be opposed. Human beings by nature are rebellious to the truth because the truth hurts as the maxim posits. Irrespective of the truth, chastisement should be done in love not anger.

We have an obligation, duty and calling to uphold, if we are true sons and daughters of the church, then we should arise and stand, just as we call on God to arise and let our enemies be scattered. The sanctity of the church should be lifted high, and all of us will make it a reality. Cooperation, understanding each other no matter how different our views are, seeing the big picture not the small one, is the only way we can forge forward. Let us not blame individuals, for God has a triune persona. Before Jesus left this earth he encouraged us thus, “strife for peace with all men.”